Bowen Lake
About Bowen Lake
Bowen Lake is an 182-acre lake near Backus in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Bowen Lake
- 182 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Backus
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12.6 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 182 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 49 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 8
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- April 17, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bowen Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lind Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus440 acres
1 miles away
Pine Mountain Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus1,617 acres
2.2 miles away
Sanborn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus220 acres
2.3 miles away
Brockway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus180 acres
2.7 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus260 acres
3 miles away
Rainy Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Backus129 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bowen Lake?
Bowen Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Backus. It covers 182 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bowen Lake?
Bowen Lake covers 182 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bowen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bowen Lake?
Yes. Bowen Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Bowen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bowen Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Bowen Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Bowen Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Bowen Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Bowen Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Bowen Lake as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.